Yeah... there are nmea multiplexers out there that will broadcast over Bluetooth. I've never had much luck with range on Bluetooth devices so I guess that's why I said wifi.
Here's one: http://www.navstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1265
I want more than the GPS data also... I want everything on the NMEA network (wind speed, depth, etc.)... I also would like to get engine data (getting Cummins engine data/Sea Ray systems monitor data is a whole different thread)... and a couple of video feeds (engine room, bridge, facing back, facing forward, cockpit).
The multiplexer listed above is a class 1 device so it "technically" will work to 100m but I seriously doubt any handheld can do that via bluetooth as they are usually class 2 devices (10m range). By the time you throw in some bulkheads, floors and other solid objects in the middle, 10m becomes 2m... I'm talking distances, and through walls/floors, of 40 feet is what I want. For those with bigger boats, like an 80 foot Lazarra, you'll need wifi for sure.
I should get that little Bluetooth multiplexer gizmo and give it a shot though before I start spouting off about it... I don't want to sound like Mr. Fig Newton. good idea. The multiplexer I have was by Brookhouse and it's been very reliable... also does auto GPS failover which is nice.
Bluetooth has other issues like pairing and such... I'm also not sure of the status of Apple's iTouch/iPhone Bluetooth support.
Here's one: http://www.navstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1265
I want more than the GPS data also... I want everything on the NMEA network (wind speed, depth, etc.)... I also would like to get engine data (getting Cummins engine data/Sea Ray systems monitor data is a whole different thread)... and a couple of video feeds (engine room, bridge, facing back, facing forward, cockpit).
The multiplexer listed above is a class 1 device so it "technically" will work to 100m but I seriously doubt any handheld can do that via bluetooth as they are usually class 2 devices (10m range). By the time you throw in some bulkheads, floors and other solid objects in the middle, 10m becomes 2m... I'm talking distances, and through walls/floors, of 40 feet is what I want. For those with bigger boats, like an 80 foot Lazarra, you'll need wifi for sure.
I should get that little Bluetooth multiplexer gizmo and give it a shot though before I start spouting off about it... I don't want to sound like Mr. Fig Newton. good idea. The multiplexer I have was by Brookhouse and it's been very reliable... also does auto GPS failover which is nice.
Bluetooth has other issues like pairing and such... I'm also not sure of the status of Apple's iTouch/iPhone Bluetooth support.
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